Canada Army Run has confirmed two exceptional special guest speakers for the always popular Canada Army Run Pasta Dinner on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Olympic marathoner, mother of three and dietician Krista DuChene, and five-time world champion parakayaker and Soldier On and Invictus Games athlete Bombardier (Retired) Christine Gauthier will join the Running Room founder, John Stanton, to speak at the dinner. Both will also take part in weekend activities.

A runner in high school, DuChene returned to running as an adult to keep fit, completing her first marathon in 2002 for fun. She stuck with running, earning the nickname Canada’s Marathon Mom after winning the 2009 Mississauga Marathon on Mother’s Day, her first marathon after the birth of her second child. In 2013, DuChene ran personal best times for the 5K, 8K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon. A member of Canada’s Olympic Team in Rio in 2016, DuChene was 35th in the women’s marathon with a time of 2:35. Running is not her only passion, she volunteers at her children’s school, supports many causes and enjoys public speaking.

Bmdr (Retd) Gauthier joined the military at the age of 18. Shortly after, she severely injured her knees, hip and spine during a training exercise. After many surgeries she returned to work but was medically released in 1998 after 10 years with the regular force field artillery. In 2008, Bmdr (Retd) Gauthier tried parakayaking with her sisters and in 2009 she discovered Soldier On, which she credits with saving her life as it helped her become active again and gave her the opportunity to meet other ill and injured soldiers. Through Soldier On, Bmdr (Retd) Gauthier became involved in multiple sports. She is a five-time world champion in parakayaking, was a member of Canada’s Paralympic Team in Rio in 2016 and won five medals at the 2016 Invictus Games in Orlando, Florida. Through Soldier On, she is also a five-time participant in the Canada Army Run, most recently completing the inaugural Commander’s Challenge in 2016 where she hand-cycled the 5K and half marathon.

The Canada Army Run Pasta Dinner is a traditional pre-race pasta dinner served “military field-kitchen style” under tents in the Confederation Park. It is prepared by military cooks experienced in cooking for troops in the field and is served by military leaders and local VIPs. Each year exceptional guest speakers are invited to speak to those in attendance, making it a truly unique experience. The dinner is at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 and tickets are $30 each.

Quotes

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Canada Army Run, we are honoured to welcome two inspirational athletes as special guest speakers at this year’s Pasta Dinner. Both Krista DuChene and Bomardier (Retired) Christine Gauthier are leaders in their sports and we are excited for them to share their knowledge, experience and stories.”Major Gus Garant, Canada Army Run Race Director

Quick Facts

Canada Army Run is one of the most inspiring events in the country, where civilians, Canadian Armed Forces personnel and runners of all ages and abilities run, walk and roll together side-by-side to show their pride as Canadians, and as runners.

Since 2008, Canada Army Run has raised more than $2.1 million in support of Soldier On and Support Our Troops Fund – two Canadian Armed Forces financial support programs that provide assistance to ill and injured soldiers and military families in need.

Canada Army Run race weekend offers something for everyone, including military displays, a Kids’ Zone, live music, a sports expo, and a unique opportunity to interact with your Canadian Army.

At the Pasta Dinner, a small team of Canadian Army cooks work from two on-site military kitchen trailers to serve over 500 people. Pasta Dinner tickets and registration details can be found at www.armyrun.ca. Tickets are still available!

Volunteers are still needed and may register via the Canada Army Run registration platform. Volunteers can choose their preferred area and hours, and can select to volunteer directly alongside family and friends.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Canada Army Run has added more events. New this year are the 10K and the Vimy Challenge. Participants entering the Vimy Challenge, in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, will take part in the 5K race followed by the 10K. Registration is still open for both.